I have a few really nice begonias that I'm considering bringing indoors, but I have no indoor area for them that my cat can't access. Available information seems to be contradictory regarding these; has anyone had an animal that experienced adverse reactions to these plants?

Hi,
From everything I've seen, it all speaks of 'oral irritation'. Something about that makes me think that one 'taste' would be enough to make him/her back off. I also saw that the tuberous are 'more so' toxic than the others. Maybe that's why there seems to be a contradiction.

"The San Diego Poison Information Center Microfilm Index shows all begonias non-toxic and had recorded no cases of harmful effects. The only cautionary word was a warning to avoid eating plants which had been sprayed with insecticides, especially, systemic insecticides."http://www.begonias.org/Articles/Vol43/Delicious.htm

It sounds like it should be reliable, but I couldn't find any substantiating information when I searched for San Diego Poison Information Center Microfilm Index, so once again it seems to be a rather iffy statement.

On the flip-side, many sources report variations on this theme, but I still haven't found any posts that were actually delivered from any affected pet's owner.

"Insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants include several types of common plants, including the Araceae family of plants, Dieffenbachia, Calla lily, Arrowhead, Dumbcane, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Pothos, Umbrella Plant, Elephant’s Ear, Chinese Evergreen, and Schefflera. Chewing or biting into these plant releases the crystals which penetrate tissue resulting in injury. When dogs or cats ingest insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants, clinical signs may be seen immediately and include pawing at face (secondary to oral pain), drooling, foaming, and vomiting. Moderate to severe swelling of the lips, tongue, oral cavity, and upper airway may also be seen, making it difficult to breathe or swallow."http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/insoluble-oxalates/

This (partial) post seems to give the best idea of why cats might be much more easily affected by certain plants than we would be.

So...I think it would be best (for me) to err on the side of caution and just let those plants go with the change of season. Either that, or start a tiny plant of each and keep them on my one available (but usually overflowing ) very high and inaccessible shelf for the winter.

Such a shame…They are all very beautiful! Especially the 'Fannie Moser'! Love that one! They look like they are sitting in a green house at the moment? I'm guessing though that your Winters are probably pretty brutal. It would break my heart to lose such beautiful plants…But I'd be more broken hearted to lose a member of the family. I think I too, would err on the side of caution. Or maybe find a family friend or relative to 'adopt' the plants for the Winter.

Wishing you good luck, with whatever you choose. And hoping that your Winter isn't too awfully severe!

My immediate thought was to put the plants in a chicken wire cage. But I don't suppose chicken wire fits into most people's interior decorating scheme. Shiny rabbit fencing?

Decorative iron scrollwork would be hugely expensive.

If you have window screens that you take out in the winter, maybe tape five together into an open-bottom cage that you could lift off for watering? Or check a Habitat for Humanity "Restore" to see if they have some window screens marked way down. I suppose that's still not a very classy "look". You could tell visitors that those plants had to be quarantined.

Cats could jump over or squeeze through a baby barrier or playpen.

Putting the plants on high shelves would probably be taken as a challenge - to knock the plants down and THEN eat the leaves.

Excellent idea! In fact, I have one already that's currently empty and ready to be used!

And, if I put this one together with Rick's great thoughts...I could very easily build a plant habitat like I built for my pet dove. It's set high on legs, framed with wood, and has three screened sides and a plexiglass door. It would be something like a large terrarium perhaps, but with better airflow.

We had 5 cats for years and one was especially notorious for tasting plants!! I got a spray bottle and filled it with water to spray her when she got near any of the plants but it got to the point where she thought it was a game ... she'd turn to take a bite out of a plant, then turn back and look at me and when I'd point the spray bottle it in her direction she would squint her eyes, wait for the spray and then run ... 2 minutes later she was back again, meowing for me to spritz her! It was a constant struggle with that one; I had to watch her like a hawk all the time! One of the other cats only liked to eat the African Violets but I was able to put them up on higher shelves where she didn't attempt to climb.

So many plants are toxic to dogs and cats; it's always best to be safe rather than sorry. I really like that idea of using an old bird cage to cover the plant(s)!

>> I got a spray bottle and filled it with water to spray her when she got near any of the plants but it got to the point where she thought it was a game

My cat hates the spray bottle, and I've set it to "stream" so I can get some distance. He moves so fast that I don't think I get many droplets onto him, but even so I feel bad.

I also have a sample size hair spray bottle that puts out a tiny, fine mist like a perfume atomizer. I KNOW that can't even dampen his fur, but it's effective.

I'm not sure why he runs or why I feel bad, since he doesn't mind going out into the rain and get soaking wet. He still COMPLAINS about the weather if it is anything but warm and sunny, but it doesn't keep him from going out.

Since I'm such a wuss and hate to feel brutal I usually give him a warning scold and glare while I reach for the bottle. If it isn't a major offense like scratching good furniture, then I just brandish it at him and make a hissing noise.

He still runs away like he was going to call the ASPCA and accuse me of Cat Abuse, so I seldom have to go all the way to actually SQUIRTING him. And when I do, it comes as a shock each time. he freezes and stares at me for a second, and I can hear him think: "HEY! You actually SQUIRTED me!!"

We have a bunch of leftover building materials from a recent addition to our home, so tomorrow I think I'll be taking measurements and planning a design. Hmmm....with this idea I might even be able to use lights.

Well, I can't figure out a way to properly "quote" both of you in the same post, but something about what Rick said:
"It would be Just Wrong to suggest putting the cats in a cage instead of the begonias .."
coupled with what Chelle posted right after:
"...and I'm sure there won't be just begonias in there!"
gives me pause.

Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.